The metallurgic sector is leading, with stock growth headed by Mechel (+4,52%), Severstal (+3,59%), and Nornikel (+2,54%). The trend is being encouraged by data from China and rising metal prices.

The strengthening value of the Russian rouble is also supported by rising oil prices. By the end of MICEX trade the USD/RUR exchange rate settled at31,5397. The light brand oil price has reached $100.71 per barrel, increasing by 2% by the end of NYMEX session.

The UK’s FTSE 100 also closed higher yesterday, rising by 0.7% (5,693 points) after positive economic data on the December UK Consumer Price Index growing by 0.4%. The German DAX also gained 1.8% after the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany restored from -53.8 points up to -21.6 points, exceeding analyst expectations.

Asian shares were experiencing volatile trading on Wednesday. Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average escalated 0.2% after early losses, South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.1%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index lost 0.2%. The Shanghai Composite Index remained flat after recovering from early losses, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also raised 0.2% after a morning decrease.